Key Fob Repair: Replacing the Battery

Getting jostled around in pockets and purses keys fobs can deteriorate and fail to register presses accurately. Replacing the small battery, which the majority of car fobs come with in a snap-out case, may fix the problem.

If the contacts on your key fob are damaged, a new replacement may not be sufficient to make it work again. Fortunately, this is an easy fix you can try at home:

Replace the Battery

It could be time to replace the battery in your key fob if it isn't working or takes longer to unlock or lock your vehicle than usual. Luckily, replacing a key fob's battery is one of the easiest tasks that you can do yourself. This is a straightforward fix that will save you money when you go to the dealership or a locksmith.

You can buy coins-style (CR2032) battery at any auto parts or home improvement store, or general store. The key fobs come with a slot for these batteries, and it is easy to replace the battery. Depending on the manufacturer, you might need to use a screwdriver or another tool to open the cover for the battery compartment.

Certain key fobs have clips that hold the battery in place. If this is the case then gently lift them up with your fingers or with a non-metallic tool. Install the new battery, taking care to install it correctly. Take note of the position when you take out the old one. It is important to avoid touching the batteries' flat surfaces, since finger marks can reduce their lifespan.

After the new battery has been installed, close the key fob's case and test it by pushing the button to make sure it works. If it still doesn't work it may be necessary to open the fob again and verify that the new battery is inserted correctly.

It could also be that simply replacing the battery is not enough to fix the problem. This could be due to physical trauma or electrical damage. In that scenario, you'll have to bring your key fob to a dealer or automotive service center for repair. Before you do this, there are four problems that the replacement battery can't fix. You should be aware of these issues, so that you can get help from a trained technician if needed. It is also important to learn how to fix a key fob's faulty transmitter to learn more about the reasons it may not be working properly.

Clean the Contacts

Cleaning your key fob is crucial to its function and lifespan. Over time, natural oils from your fingertips and pocket lint can accumulate on the key fob's crevices and buttons and may cause keys to cease working altogether. All you require is rubbing alcohol, a cotton swab and some alcohol to rub it on.

The key fob must be opened first by gently prying the battery out using the help of a screwdriver or a coin. Make sure to note down the type of battery it is (negative and positive sides) so that you can re-insert it correctly when you are finished.

Then, moisten a cotton swab or small brush with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and start cleansing the dirt off all buttons on the fob and the surrounding areas. Be particular about the battery contacts, making sure that they are clean of dirt or grease. Once you're done your task, allow the fob and its components completely dry.

If your device doesn't function after cleaning it, it could be an idea to reset the system. Consult your owner's manual for directions on how to do this and follow them. This may be able to bring the key fob back to life if the issue was simply a dead battery.

Once the key fob has been cleaned and resynthesized, it is a great idea to keep up with regular maintenance. You can keep your key fob in good working order for a long time by wiping it with a damp towel and mild soap.

Reset the System

Despite the fact that today's modern-day key fobs are more efficient, secure, and convenient than ever before, it's possible for them to encounter certain problems. Most of the time, these issues aren’t serious or complex and can be resolved with simple solutions, like changing the battery. If the problem is more serious or the issue can't be solved using simple methods an expert auto repair shop can replace and reprogram the key fob.

The primary purpose of the device is to lock or unlock your car, however you can also make use of it to enable certain features of your vehicle. The key fob can be used to lower or raise the sunroof. This feature can be very beneficial if you need to open the roof when stuck in traffic or your hands are full. Similarly, the key fob can be used to call your car when it's located in a tight location.

A key fob's internal circuitry and buttons may fail due to manufacturing defects or wear-and-tear. The signs could include unpredictable behavior or a complete failure to lock or unlock the car. Moisture or other electromagnetic interference sources may sometimes affect the function of the keyfob. If your key fob is wet or contaminated with dust, it's going to need to be cleaned before being used again.

Replacing the key fob battery or cleaning the contacts could fix a malfunctioning device, but if it continues to malfunction, you may need to do a factory reset. This can clear up system bugs and restore the operation of the device.

If you're unsure of how to perform a factory reset on your device, refer to the website of the manufacturer of your device or the owner's manual. Certain models require a specific tool to complete the reset however, you should be able to find the instructions for the specific model you have.

Contacting a mobile key fob repair locksmith for cars in Apache Junction is another option to resolve issues with your keyfob. They are able to replace and program key fobs on almost all models of automobiles. Additionally, they can also repair car keys that have chips inside them.